Momo bobbed on Max’s shoulder, its small, plush body shifting with each step as Max struggled to carry Sarah. Despite the looming danger, Momo’s voice was unusually light, as if the chaos surrounding them was just a minor inconvenience."Now, now, Master, don’t look so glum!" Momo chirped, his voice tinged with an almost playful arrogance. "It’s not as bad as it seems. I mean, look at me! I’m a Mimic maker with no mimic after all but I Can still shapeshift things into anything I want—well, anything I choose, anyway."Max glanced at Momo, confused. "You can shapeshift stuff into anything? But why are you just a stuffed toy right now?"Momo puffed out his chest proudly. "Ah, you see, that’s the trick! It’s all about energy and style. I need a little juice to go full-blown transformation mode. But don’t worry! When I’m on full power, I can turn into anything from a shield to a sword to a whole fortress. I’m basically unstoppable." The way Momo said it sounded more like a boast than a

The moment after the Vermin retreated into the shadows, Max didn’t feel a rush of relief. Instead, he was filled with a deep, unsettling sense of dread. The monster was gone for now, but it was still out there, and this was far from over. His mind raced with questions—too many questions he didn’t have the answers to. He glanced at Sarah, who was still standing in shock, holding her arm where the creature's slimy tongue had wrapped around it. The sight of the Xenomorph, the sheer terror it instilled, was enough to freeze anyone in their tracks. Yet, she was staring at Max now, her mouth slightly agape, trying to process everything. "Max," she whispered, her voice trembling. “How come I was the one that got kidnapped by some weird monster with acid tongue?"She almost yelled the last part as she tightened her grip on Max with unexpected Vicious strength Ouch “I Don’t know..oouch plzz.” Max flinch a little as he gripped his ear before letting go he didn’t know how ot what to explai

### **Chapter 6:* Beneath a shadowed moon, a castle loomed, its spires gleaming like black glass. The structure stood as a relic of a bygone era, its dark marble walls reflecting the fractured light of the broken sky. Beside it sprawled a ruined garden, wild and untamed—vines coiled around crumbling stone, wildflowers glowing faintly under the unnatural moonlight. At the garden’s heart stood a shattered fountain, its stagnant water shimmering eerily, as if holding secrets of the past. The air hung heavy, silent, until the distant thud of hooves shattered the stillness. Shadows stirred as the sound grew louder. The night waited, breathless. --- **Swung* Swung*** The whistling of a heavy weapon cut through the air, its violent pace betraying the resolve of its wielder. A man clad in a dark singlet and thick pants swung a broadsword forged from gel ore, its purple blade glinting dimly under the cold light. Sweat streamed down his face, his breathing steady but labored. Each swing

Max stood before the trial chamber, his emotions calm yet his thoughts ever-moving. He had expected to step forward immediately, but instead, he was told to wait. "Prepare yourself," the receptionist had said. "The higher-ups haven’t sent someone for you yet." So, Max waited. He took in the grand hall, the flickering lanterns casting long shadows across the marble floor. The scent of aged parchment and incense filled the air. Disciples walked past, whispering, some casting lingering glances in his direction. He ignored them. He lowered himself onto a wooden bench, closing his eyes. His heartbeat slowed. Meditation wasn't something he often indulged in, but he needed clarity. His breathing steadied. The world faded. Minutes passed. Then an hour. Max finally rose and approached the receptionist. "Has anyone come yet?" She shook her head. "Not yet." Just as he turned away, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. A sharp, clipped voice followed. "Ah. So you’r

*More salad here," "Can you finish that.." "Hey have you heard" "what. Huh.. Wait who is that.. He just hit me by without apologising" "ooh, he was the kid that got beaten by a disciple of ours" "Trash..anyway Heard the illusion Realm is opening.. The cafeteria buzzed with lively chatter, students filling the space with laughter, clinking trays, and the occasional outburst from overly enthusiastic groups. The scent of freshly baked bread and grilled meat lingered in the air, mixing with the sharper tang of spices. Max, flanked by the girls, finally secured a table near one of the large windows, where golden sunlight spilled in, warming the polished wooden surface. Just good!! (sarcasm*) Just as he settled, a stern voice pulled him from his brief respite. "Max, since you're the only guy here, you should do the honors and get the orders." He blinked. "Huh? Why me?" "Because you're the only guy here," Sarah repeated with a smirk, resting her chin on her palm.